Quail Notes December 2019

Celebrating Grace, Making Disciples, Making a Difference

Christmas Eve Services

11 am - Contemporary Christmas 1 pm & 3 pm - Country Christmas

5 pm and 7 pm - Candlelight Services

Christmas Day Service

10 am

In this Issue

Summary of Council Meeting Page 2 Christmas Eve Dinner ........... Page 2 Widow’s Fellowship ............. Page 3 Christmas Concert ................ Page 3 Amber Norgaardand Friends Page 3 Singles Christmas Luncheon .. Page 3 Abiding in God’s Eternal Care Page4 Buzzings from the Bee .......... Page 4 Music Ministry .................... Page 4 Health & Wellness ................ Page 5 Fair Trade ............................. Page 5 Lutefisk Dinner ..................... Page 5 Men’s Ministry ..................... Page 5 Parish Nurse Notes ............... Page 6 Foundation Corner ............... Page 6 Stephen Ministry .................. Page 7 Give a kid a book .................. Page 7 Tables for 8 .......................... Page 7 Women’s Ministry ................ Page 7 Alternative Christmas ........... Page 8

Dear Friends and Members of Desert Hills Lutheran,

Welcome to December, Advent and Christmas!!! You probably can’t believe it is here already. When we were children it took forever, not anymore. Advent is the season of preparation for

Christmas; it starts December 1. We have two Christmas Concerts, the first by our choirs on December 5 at 3:30 and again at 6:30. We have a second Christmas Concert by Amber Norgaard and friends on December 18 at 7 pm. Both will be terrific concerts for our Christmas Season.

We will host five services on Christmas Eve at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7pm. Christmas Day we will celebrate the grace of Christmas at 10 am with Holy Communion.

If you haven’t filled out a pledge card, you can still help us out by letting us know what you will be giving in 2020. We use the pledge cards and giving history to come up with a ministry spending plan. We don’t give to a budget; we give to God’s mission in the world of which we are a part. Thank you for those of you who attended the “I Can Only Believe” lunch and dinners. I hope the time was a blessing to you.

All for now, it is often a frantic month, but I hope we all take our time to remember the reason for the season, our Lord and Savior.

Blessings, Pastor Martin

Desert Hills Lutheran Church Council

John Martin

Judy Gunson

Tom Royer

Barbara Southard

Martin Overson

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Pastor

2nd row left to right Rob Bonnema, Jane Brunckhorst, Mark Catlin

The Council Minutes from November 19, 2019 John Martin called the meeting to order, and Pastor Martin led us in prayer. Council welcomed the Transition Team to share their Final Plan for DHLC Transition. For the past seven months they have met, prayed and worked to formulate their plan. Council shared “Praise the Lord” when they were finished. After they left the room we conducted our regular Council meeting. Pastor led us in discussion of Chapter 8 of “Canoeing the Mountains.” Several people shared God stories. The October Council minutes were approved as written. The Pastor stated that a parishioner has donated money for a Christmas staff luncheon. Pastor will heavily promote the Christmas concert on December 5, and there will be a Thanksgiving service and dinner. Tom shared that the financial state of the church is doing very well. Melissa mentioned that we have already met 92% of our November goal and there are still two weeks left. President John expressed thanks that staff has been able to keep expenses down. Troy and Jane will co-chair the Campus Upgrade Team. This team will take a complete look at our campus to assess future needs and opportunities for improvements and upgrades. Their report will be an important tool for future planning and budgeting. Council gave the Social Concerns Committee permission to have a toilet paper, soap and shampoo drive to benefit Green Valley and Amado food bank in January 2020. The remainder of the meeting was spent going over the first draft of the 2020 budget.

Desert Hills Lutheran Church 2150 S. Camino del Sol

Green Valley, AZ 85622-8352 520-648-1633 | www.dhlc.org

Worship Times Saturday — 3 & 5 pm

Sunday — 8, 9:30 & 11 am Nursery care available for infants to age

5 at the following services: Saturday at 3pm & 5pm;

Sunday at 9:30 am & 11am.

Holy Communion is celebrated the 1st & 3rd weekend of each month

at all services.

Holy Communion & Healing Service 2nd & 4th Weekend of each month

Saturday at 4:15 pm & Sunday at 10:30 am in the Chapel

Office Hours Monday-Friday — 8:30 am to 4 pm

Pastoral Staff Rev. Dr. Martin Overson, Senior Pastor Rev. Ken Nyhusmoen, Associate Pastor

Quail Notes newsletter is published monthly. Email articles for the

December issue by November 15th to quailnotes@dhlc.org.

Join DHLC Singles Fellowship for a festive Christmas luncheon at DOMINICK'S in their party room. Our popular, annual Christmas party will put us in the holiday spirit with games, caroling, door prizes, and, of course, fun, fellowship, and food.

The date: Saturday, December 14, from noon till 3:00.

The menu: Three choices: Chicken Marsala; Lasagna, either Meat or Vege-table; or Petite Top Sirloin Steak. All entrees come with salad, choice of non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Tax and tip are included in our low

price of $22.

To sign up: PAY IN ADVANCE at the front desk by December 6 and select your entree. Pay with cash or check ONLY made out to Diane Clark. Sign up sheet is posted in Fellowship Hall under Fun and Fellowship.

Our Christmas charity: Lutheran Social Services for the Elderly are in need of new reading glasses and new slippers for the clients they serve. Bring a pair of new reading glasses— anything over 2.00— and double your chances to win a door prize. Bring a pair of slippers, sizes 9-10 for men or 7 1/2 - 8 1/2 for women and triple your chances to win one of three door prizes. Bring two pair of slippers, and increase your odds even more!!

Widows' Fellowship: . Start your December off by coming to the BLUE CHRISTMAS service Sunday, December 1st, 2 pm in our chapel. It's a great way to pause in the midst of our busy lives and prepare ourselves for the rapidly approaching holiday season. It's a beautiful service of music and readings, and there will be light refreshments following. Blue Christmas is OPEN TO ALL -- come, bring friends/family/neighbors.

The Widows' Fellowship will have our regular meeting on December 15th at 2 pm in the DHLC library. This gathering is open to widows only and will be our last meeting in 2019.

A recent survey indicated that 1 in 5 Americans say they rarely or never feel close to people and over 50% said that they feel that no one really knows them well. Those are sad statistics and DHLC offers many ways to lessen the extent of loneliness: Widows' Fellowship, Singles Group, Bible Fellowship, Sermon Discussion Groups, worship services, and meals are but a few of the offerings available. No excuses! Come and See!

Questions??? Call me -- Debi Shippy at 405-7005

Abiding in God’s Eternal Care

JoAnn Smith November 10, 2019

Vivienne Parizek November 13, 2019

Buzzings from the Bee and Boutique Banter

On November 9th we celebrated out 17th annual Fall Boutique at DHLC.

It was, as usual, a very successful day, thanks to all of you generous, talented people who donated your wonderful creations to add to our offerings, and to the hard work of the Sewing Bee and WELCA groups who were involved in many ways before and during the event. The co-chairs of the Boutique, Marcia Cleary and Jeanette Heath did a great job as well as Betty Ann Clark who was the chair of the Bake Sale, cashiers, and greeters. The Bake Sale was a huge success, thanks to all of the gracious people who responded to the request for bake goods -- and did we ever get them. They all sold out! Lynne Beykirch and her helpers were responsible for the Cafe and baked an abundant amount of cinnamon rolls and sticky buns in the morning and Joe Mazur ended the day with brats and sauerkraut for lunch. The cafe was a real hit. All in all, there were at more than75 awesome volunteers who worked throughout the Boutique.

Again, a huge THANK YOU to all who were involved as well as all of the shoppers. The Boutique sales for 2019 came to $11,490. The proceeds will be given to four charities that were chosen by the Sewing Bee. Each will receive $3,500 and 10 Quilts. These charities are: Hands of a Friend (Genesis House), 51 Homes for Veterans, Youth On Their Own and RISE Scholastic Achievement in Nogales, Mexico (they do not need quilts). $3000 from food sales will be donated to the Navajo Lutheran School in Rock Point, AZ. You are invited to visit us at the Sewing Bee any Wednesday from 9 to noon. We meet in the library to put together quilts and we have refreshments and conversation at 10. No sewing experience required. Contact Mary Johnson for information at 520-207-8408 or tomaryj@gmail.com.

Left to right organizations receiving checks were 51 homes, Jeanette

Heath DHLC, Hands of a Friend, Marcia Cleary DHLC, Youth on their

Own, & the last 2 are from RISE.

Music Ministry We Inspire The Joy Ringers are looking to add to the ensemble. If you can read music and are interested in joining our group, please contact Stephanie Kaufman at clinehouse4@yahoo.com.

Special Music for December

December 1st

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

December 8th

Chancel Choir

Men’s Chorus

December 15th

Voices of Miriam

Celebration Singers

December 22nd

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

December 29th

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

Fair trade cocoa is an agricultural product harvested from the cocoa tree using a certified process which is followed by cocoa farmers, buyers, and chocolate manufacturers, and is designed to create sustainable incomes for farmers and their families.

Stock up for Christmas 2nd and 4th weekends

Lutefisk Dinner Friday, January 17, 4:30pm & 5:30pm

Tickets ($20) will be available starting Saturday, December 7 from 2:30 – 5 pm and on Sunday, December 8 from 8:30 – 11:30 am at the front desk. They will be available during the week at the front desk starting Monday, Dec. 9. until sold out. This year you may order tickets by calling the front desk 520 648 1633 and using a credit card.

Men’s Ministry at DHLC

Bookmen The Bookmen meet Wednesdays weekly at 7:45 am. The location of the meeting is Manuel’s Restaurant for breakfast, fellowship, and lively book discussion. All men are invited to join the group. Next book: "Path Between the Seas: The Building of the Panama Canal" by David McCullough. Starts December 11 Handy Man Services is here to provide help to members and frequent visitors of Desert Hills Lutheran Church. If you would like to request services, please contact Ruben Heeszel, 520 903-7188. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast This group meets the 4th Thursday of the month. No breakfast in December.

Men’s Coffee This group meets weekly on Monday at 8 am, except for the third Monday which is at 7:30 due to Men’s Health Group meeting. Come join us for coffee and conversation

Men’s Health Group Meets Monday, December 16th at 8 am.

Men's Photography Each month the group selects a Bible-based theme, bringing photographs that fit the theme to share with the group. Often the group will discuss photography related topics. Those having an interest in photography are welcome to attend, enjoy the show and participate in the conversation. Meets 1st Monday of the month at 1:30 pm (Sept.-May)

Men's Bible Study Thursdays @ 1 pm. Continuing in the Gospel of John. All men are welcome.

Upcoming Health & Wellness Events: • Red Cross Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall, Tuesday, December 3rd - 8:30am to

1:30pm. To schedule your appointment or for more information, contact Parish Nurse, Anna Tometczak, RN at 648-1633 ext 37 or log on to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Deserthills.

• Faith, Food and Farming, speaker Dr Steve Grubb in the Fellowship Hall, Thurs-day, January 23rd 11am-12:30pm. Please register in advance at the Receptionist desk.

• Grief Support Group – “Our Journey Through Grief”, Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 4 through February 27, 1pm-2:30pm in the Library. Please register in advance at the Receptionist desk.

• Alzheimer's Association Conference in the Fellowship Hall, Thursday, February 6 – 8am-12pm. Register at the front desk or pick up a brochure.

• 90 + Birthday Celebration in the Fellowship Hall, Thursday, February 13th 11am-2pm. By Invitation only.

• Regenerative Agriculture for Healthier Environment, Healthier Food, and Healthier People, speaker Dr Steve Grubb in the Fellowship Hall, February 27 11am-12:30pm

• Red Cross Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall, Tuesday, March 10th 8:30am-1:30pm. To schedule your appointment or for more information, contact Parish Nurse, Anna Tometczak, RN at 648-1633 ext 37 or log on to red-crossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Deserthills.

• CaptionCall, Thursday in Room 102, March 19th 11am-12:30pm, Hearing Impaired? Come hear about a phone de-signed to help people with hearing loss use the phone to stay connected with loved ones and conduct important business of life with complete confidence.

NOTES Incorporating spiritual values into health education

The Parish Nurse is in on Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am to 2pm | 648-1633 Ext 37 | parishnurse@dhlc.org

For many people, the holidays bring favorite holiday foods, treats, and extra pounds. Maintain your weight and enjoy healthy nutrition by following these guidelines: 1) Eat Breakfast – Studies show that those who eat breakfast take in fewer calories throughout the day. 2) Plate It – Plate your food rather than grazing at holiday parties. It will help you to be more mindful of what and how

much you’re eating. 3) Portion Control – Use a small plate to help manage temptation and how much you eat. 4) Start with Veggies – Eat a few healthy vegetables first to curb your appetite before sampling the holiday goodies. 5) Choose Proteins – Healthy portions of nuts, low-fat dairy, legumes, and lean meat will help you feel fuller. 6) Skip It – It you don’t love it, don’t eat it! 7) Slow Down – Slow down and enjoy every bite, so your brain can signal your stomach that you are full faster. 8) Wait for the Seconds – Studies show that waiting 10 minutes before taking seconds will help you feel fuller and the

temptation to take seconds will pass. 9) Focus on a Few Bites – The first few bites are more satisfying; enjoy them without thinking you need the entire

plate. 10) Be a Little Brave – Experiment with new flavors and seasonings; you might find some new healthier traditions. And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48) During this season when we hear Mary’s song, reflect on ways that rejoicing in God’s calling enriches your health.

Anna Tometczak, RN – Parish Nurse

LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF LEGACY “Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” –Psalm 112:1-2

In the book of Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham that included the promise of many descendants. Because of Abraham’s faithfulness, God made him the source of a great nation, and he was well-known and respected throughout the land. Abraham was a recipient of divine blessings, and through this, became an avenue of blessing to others.

Just as God promised, Abraham’s legacy continued with his children. Both his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob benefited from Abraham’s covenant with God. These blessings are still continuing through the people of God, generations later.

God’s blessings are for today and for generations to come. How can we live to be a blessing today and into the future? Consider these three things:

Assess what you value. We learn from those who came before us and we instill values in those who come after us. What values do you hold dear? What would you like carried into future generations? Live a life of service. How can you share your talents and abilities with others? Consider taking a spiritual gifts inventory to discover more of your spiritual gifting so you can share it with others. Bless future generations. What great needs of the world are nearest and dearest to your heart? Think of ways you can respond with action and compassion. And remember, what may be considered a small action might one day make a huge difference in the lives of others.

We all dream of and want the world to become a better place. We can make a difference in bringing more of God’s goodness into the world by leaving a legacy of a well-lived, generous and joy-filled life. MATTHEW M GIGSTAD Thrivent

We wish you all the blessings of Christmas and a wonderful 2019.

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Corner

Women’s Mini-Retreat: Considering if a retreat can again be planned for February 2021. A chair or co-chair is needed for this to happen. Is God calling you to help plan this event? For more information on the women’s mini-retreat, contact Julie A. Winrich: writerjaw@gmail.com or 707-391-8323.

Monday, December 2: Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall will be from 9:00am to 10:30am. Bring your Bible and the November Gather Magazine. Discussion will be on “Stewarding the Gift of Joy” written by Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:00am with biblical discussion beginning at 9:30.

Monday, December 2: Women’s Team Meeting will be held at 11 a.m. All women are invited to attend this team building meeting to discuss leadership, future programs, charity donations and church wide updates. Plan to attend and discover the difference that women at Desert Hills are making in the church, the Synod and around the world.

Monday, December 9: Join us for the Women’s Luncheon from 11:30 to 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to celebrate a Hawaiian Christmas, catered by Lynne. Enjoy Hula dancers’ performance and wear your Hawaiian apparel. Last day to purchase tickets is Wednesday, December 4th.

Registration is now open for the 2020 Triennial in Phoenix, AZ on July 16-18, 2020. Bishop Deborah will be there along with nearly 3,000 other Lutheran women. The speakers will be stimulating and the music vibrant. “Just Love” is the inspirational theme. Register at welcatg.org.

Lutheran Social Services Shoe Drive: Our Christmas project this year will focus on collecting NEW shoes, infant through adult, for Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Collection box will be available through December 9th in Mary McNichols’ office, Monday through Friday, and at the

front desk on the weekends. Gather Bible Study event is on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 in Henderson, NV. Registration is available at https://grandcanyonsynodwomen.org/events.

To all Tables for Eight participants: Please reserve Thursday evening, January 16. We will enjoy a potluck dinner in Fellowship

Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 for all participants. Each group will have its own table and you can

count this as your group dinner for January or you may also schedule your own group get-

together for another day. Stay tuned for more information.

Give a kid a book returns this January.

Stephen Ministry (SM) is a lay caring ministry used by more than 13,000 congregations worldwide to increase care and outreach to hurting people. Through SM, congregations are able to equip and empower a team of laypeople-Stephen Ministers-who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered confidential care to people experiencing grief, health issues, di-vorce, spiritual crisis, or other life difficulties. Since Stephen Ministry began in 1975, millions of people have received care from a Stephen Ministry. One of the care receivers shared, “My Stephen Minister’s weekly visits became an an-chor in my life-something I could rely on when everything else was so uncertain. She was a steady reminder of God’s presence, helping me know I was never alone.” If you would like a Stephen Minister or would like to refer someone else, please contact: Nancy Borstad rborstad@yahoo.com #648-3320 or Dick Hill dickehill44@aol.com #719-510-8005.

Three

Weekends

November

30th

thru

December

15th

After

Services

In

Fellowship

Hall

Look

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The

9 foot

Christmas

Tree

How it works : select a gift that means the most to you, or choose a gift in honor of someone special; share

the news of your gift with friends and loved ones; your gift supports the work of the ELCA in 80 countries.